SMA secures first German certification for grid-forming BESS

SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) has secured the first certification under Germany’s VDE FNN guideline for grid-forming capabilities, including the provision of inertia. The certification applies to SMA’s Sunny Central Storage UP-S battery inverter platform.

The certification covers grid-forming technology for large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) and comes as power systems require new approaches to maintaining stability as the share of renewable generation increases. Transmission system operators are introducing market-based mechanisms for stability services as grids become increasingly reliant on inverter-based resources.

SMA said grid-forming inverters can provide stability services that were traditionally associated with conventional synchronous generation. Olaf Heyden, SMA’s chief operating officer, said the certification establishes a prerequisite for wider deployment of the technology as Germany’s electricity system changes.

For project developers and independent power producers (IPPs), certification of grid-forming BESS opens potential revenue streams from inertia and other grid stability services. Utilities can use the technology to prepare battery storage investments for emerging market requirements while supporting renewable generation portfolios, according to SMA.

The VDE FNN guideline, Version 2.1, defines technical and verification requirements for grid-forming units and plants participating in Germany’s emerging inertia market. Together with the certification framework, it establishes a standardized process for testing, verification, and certification of grid-forming technologies.

From pv magazine France